A few years ago, I wrote about attending a ministry conference where the speaker was Dr. Frances Myles who brought up the issue of shifts and transitions. What I remember most about Dr. Myles’ statement is when he said that many people can accept change but can’t handle transition.
He then explained how he saw change as a sudden situational shift, but that transition was the process of letting go of the way things used to be and grabbing hold of those things as they will be. Once again, I see how Dr. Myles’ words can be applied to this year’s presidential election. I’m writing this column before the election on Nov. 5th, but you are reading this after the election. Regardless of who you voted for, we all now have to deal with the transition to a new president.
This year, there was a record amount of money spent by candidates for president as well as other local and statewide offices. The past 4 years of the Biden presidency have been characterized by historic moments like the appointment of the first African American woman to the US Supreme Court and the reversal of the Roe Vs. Wade decision. Reactions to these and other moments have included backlash and some of the most negative political rhetoric in our nation’s history. As much as Biden tried to change things, he was met with fierce resistance from those who opposed his policies. Consequently, it looks like the next president will have more of the same ideological fights.
Now comes the hard part: the transition…and beginning the process of moving forward…again. Some will embrace the transition to the new president because their candidate won; others will fight the transition because their candidate lost. One way that we can ensure that we move forward successfully is by praying for God’s guidance. However, we can do our part and be a part of the “transition team” by offering prayers for the next president, their family, and their administration. I’d like to offer a modified version of a powerful prayer first offered for President Obama by my late former pastor Rev. Dr. Jerome McNeil, Jr. to pray during what is certain to be a challenging time of transition as we keep in mind the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “I will bless you with a future filled with hope–a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers.”
Dear Lord:
We come before you with humility and awareness of your mercy and grace. Now we seek a divine intervention for the President and their family. We pray for extraordinary wisdom and dependence upon you in the circumstances they face. May the celebratory actions of the victory not cause us to lose sight of your presence in this outcome. Surround them with people of integrity and faith. Though divisions were exposed during this election, may this nation experience healing and unity in unfathomed proportions. Lord, let us as your people not neglect the awareness of our remaining and unchanging dependence upon you. May we draw strength and peace to know that your hand and will can never be forgotten. We just want to say thank you for the hope that you always give us and the love you have always shown us. In Jesus Name…AMEN!
Shewanda Riley is a Fort Worth-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @shewanda.